Makers wanted for annual fair at Henry Ford Museum

Last year's Maker Faire Detroit featured a 70-foot fire-breathing dragon.

Maker Faire Detroit

For more details on Maker Faire Detroit, which takes place July 26-27 at Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, or to fill out an entry form go to: makerfairedetroit.com.

Makers of anything from robots to bicycles have until June 6 to submit their entry forms for the fifth annual Maker Faire Detroit at the Henry FordMuseum in July.

About 500 makers are expected to participate in the two-day festival to showcase their crafts, inventions and solutions at the Dearborn museum, said Shauna Wilson, senior manager of national events for the Henry Ford.

Wilson said there are not many restrictions on what can be showcased at the event, but it must be able to fit either inside the Henry Ford or its parking lot and be safe for guests to be around.

"We've often said, since Year 1, that if it can be made, it can be displayed," she said.

Nearly 22,000 people attended the event last year, even though it rained, and more are expected this year if the weather holds out, said Wilson.

The Henry Ford is one of five museums nationally to host a Featured Maker Faire this year, she said.

"Every year is a little different because of what the makers bring to display at the event," she said. Last year, one maker brought a 70-foot fire-breathing dragon, Wilson said. Annual favorites include a group of crafters that teaches "learn to knit" workshops, she said.

While many makers are hobbyists, Wilson said startups use Maker Faire to test prototypes in front of the festival's audience. Teams from incubators such as Techtown Detroit have participated as well, she said.

There is no cost for makers to display at the event, but there is a fee attached if they plan to sell their products in the small, juried craft bazaar, said Wilson.

Wilson said hosting the event in metro Detroit reflects the area's maker culture. "People here like to tinker and make things. Think Henry Ford," she said.

New to the festival this year out of the approximately 100 makers who have already submitted entry forms will be a "Nerdy Derby," where people of all ages will be able to build and then test vehicles made out of recycled materials, and a Power Tool Drag Race sponsored by a group from Cincinnati, Wilson said.